Explore The New TestamentSample

SAY WHAT? (What is the passage saying?)

• We learned before that the word "justified" (verse 1) means "just-as-if-I'd" never sinned. That means that faith in Jesus takes our sin away and gives us peace and hope with God. 
• Paul then tells us to rejoice in our sufferings! Really? Yes! Suffering is not fun, but it develops perseverance and builds character. And ultimately, it gives us hope in a God who pours his love into us through the power of the Holy Spirit (an invisible gift of God's presence).
• Jesus chose to die for us when we were sinful and at our worst. That is love! And because of his grace, we are saved from God's wrath and reconciled to him.
• Verses 12-21 tells us that sin came into the world through one man, Adam. As a result, we as humans inherited his sinful nature. But, just as sin entered the world through one person, it also exited through one person. Jesus' death overcame Adam's curse and the curse of sin on all of us. So, because of Jesus, our sin can be removed, we can have peace with God, and grace reigns.

SO WHAT? (What are the underlying principles?)

• The most important thing we can ever do is have faith in Jesus. Without it, we cannot be right with God, and we cannot have peace with God. 
• Suffering stinks, but, if we have God in our life, we can view suffering as a chance to grow and become better people instead of bitter people.

NOW WHAT? (How will you personally apply this passage?)

• Are you suffering or struggling right now? What impact is it having on you (your attitude, emotions, relationships, etc.)? Ask God to help you see your suffering as a chance to grow, and start to choose that attitude.
• Why don't you memorize a Bible verse today? This chapter contains some key ideas for your life, so store one away in your mind. Choose either Romans 5:1-2, or Romans 5:8, or Romans 5:10.